Ryland Coyne
The Record News – August 20, 2003
It really is an amazing thing to see. You’ve probably driven it past it a hundred times or more. But have you ever slowed down and actually turned into the gravel parking lot to check it out? It might be time to do just that. Curiosity got the better of me a few years back. That’s the first time my two boys and I met Scott MacDonald, the chief, cook and greenskeeper of Juniper Fairways.
Located just about 10 minutes North of town along Roger Stevens Drive, Juniper catches your eye off the highway with its bright red railway caboose. We had no idea what we might find but were pleasantly surprised his cover a driving range, three holes of par 3 golf, a hand-written welcome sign encouraging us to make our own change and an owner who, as we found out, is also the developer, designer, engineer, landscaper, sign builder, lawn mower, rock mover and (in his spare time) a golf professional.
Already a dream 10 years in the making back then, MacDonald has been relentlessly and tirelessly carving out his own niche in the local golf scene since 1989. Few, I’m sure, could have ever foreseen what the Pembroke native has managed to accomplish, virtually by himself. Fewer still would ever believe someone would have the determination to stay the course for so many years.
But stick to it as he has, and today MacDonald has himself a little piece of golf heaven out in the middle of God’s country. It’s still pretty rough around the edges. There remain a couple of tee areas to be built. And the clubhouse may yet be another year off. Still what a gem.
There are now nine holes to shoot ranging from a 70 to a little over 100 yards each. The greens are small and in terrific shape. The terrain is a little rough but a good challenge for little ones looking to cut their teeth on a course that won’t exhaust them after one hole. For the more experienced golfer, it’s a good test of ones short game requiring pinpoint shot-making.
The driving range is more than adequate and their buckets are filled to overflowing, giving good value to all those would-be Tigers and Mike Weirs out there here. Here you can break out the big stick and pound out those 300 yard drives…
Just don’t expect the bells and whistles found at the full-service 18 hole courses around the region. There’s no kitchen, no pro shop and no power carts. But there is an old fridge with cold drinks inside and a friendly caretaker ready with a smile and a wave for any visitors who happen by.
Just remember. This is basically a one-man operation. So don’t wait for a personal greeting or check in for a tee time. Scott’s apt to be out mowing the 5th green or filling the courses trademark water tower. So just place your money under the rock, take your change and enjoy your round.